This country is going through some dark times politically. It used to be unthinkable that a blustery conman like Donald Trump could finagle and push his way into the presidency. And to think of how much lasting damage he did by being allowed to stack the Supreme Court (in part due to the underhanded work of Mitch McConnell during Barack Obama’s time in office), which resulted in Roe V. Wade being overturned, and women’s rights being slashed. The first track on this album is titled “Woe V. Shade,” and it was composed when the Supreme Court handed down that disastrous decision. The track doesn’t have as angry a tone as you might expect, but there is a tension as it begins. The track features some excellent work on drums which drives the piece forward. As it pushes into different territory, we get the sense of people mobilizing to combat this new attack on women’s rights. There is a lot of movement heard in that lead on keys. It is interesting that as this track briefly threatens to move toward chaos, it instead finds space to breath, to pause, to take stock, and that leads to a good lead on guitar. The tension then begins to build again toward the end. That’s followed by the album’s title track, “Tornado Watch.” While the first track addresses a man-made disaster, this one tackles a natural disaster, or at least a potential disaster. My girlfriend and I talked about places we could possibly live if we were to leave Los Angeles, and we immediately eliminated all places that regularly have either hurricanes or tornadoes. I’ve seen a couple of tornadoes in my life, and they are terrifying. This piece is about watching the progress of a tornado and worrying about loved ones who might be in its path, so there is the sense of concern, of worry, but also of being separated from the actual danger. Halfway through, there is a really good lead on bass, but it is the lead on keys that is at the heart of this piece. It seems able to bring in a sense of calm, even of joy. Perhaps at that point there is a belief that the tornado is going to miss them.
“Parallel Motion” has something of a darker vibe as it opens, and takes us on an interesting journey. I love the section where the keys lead. There is no hurry, and it is more about creating atmosphere at this point. I love what Myles Martin is doing on drums in that section. And things begin to build. The saxophone has an interesting electronic feel, which works to keep us on edge during its lead, even as other elements have a smoother, calming vibe. The sax makes us feel uncertain about just what territory we are in. There is certainly something dramatic about this piece, and it will probably evoke an unusual series of images for anyone who listen with his or her eyes closed. The piece then returns to that opening section. That’s followed by the album’s sole cover, a strong rendition of Herbie Hancock’s “Toys” that begins in a lively, exciting place and soon takes on a cool groove, while the saxophone plays above it with a great freedom. A wonderful lead on keys follows, while the groove continues. And at one point, things begin to take off, to get a little wilder, before then calming again. “In The Midst” has a more relaxed pace, and you might feel a warmth washing over you. There is a good feel about it, a welcoming vibe. The instruments seem to speak with one voice at moments, and then the guitar steps forward to lead.
“Everlasting” begins with a delicious bass line that grabs me immediately. It isn’t long before the others come in, and this one is off to a great start, in motion from those first moments, featuring some great stuff on keys and guitar, the two instruments trading thoughts. Then it takes on the vibe of a big band dance for a time, before the saxophone then takes us into a smaller, swinging club. So delicious! The trumpet then seems to call us to the dance floor, to bring everyone in and raise people’s spirits. The guitar continues in that spirit. The lead on keys keeps everything moving and hopping, with a great energy. And when I think this can’t get any better, there is a cool drum solo. Everything about this piece works perfectly. This is one of my personal favorite tracks. Then “Concessions” begins with some pretty work on piano, playing that is warm, inviting and soothing. This track has such a good vibe about it. Things seem right with the world. Sometimes I want music that gives me that feeling, because little outside of music does that these days. This track features an excellent lead on bass in the middle. There is nothing wild or crazy here, just a wonderful straightforward number, and it is another of the disc’s highlights for me.
“Do What You Will” also opens with some beautiful piano work, and after forty seconds or so it lands on a groove, and the other musicians come in. There is an interesting feel to this one, as it creates its own path through the world. I am particularly drawn to the drum work on this track. And I love the way this one builds in middle during that great lead on keys. The piano starts “Expansion & Retention” as well, and almost immediately this tune bursts forward, with some progressive elements at moments. This is another interesting track that refuses to be nailed down, driving both inward and outward simultaneously, and featuring some really good stuff on guitar. The album then concludes with “Propellant.” This one eases in and soon develops an enjoyable groove that will have you smiling and feeling good. I especially enjoy that section toward the end where the trumpet and saxophone trade these delicious moments. The album may have begun in serious territory, but wishes to leave us in a pleasant place.
CD Track List
- Woe V. Shade
- Tornado Watch
- Parallel Motion
- Toys
- In The Midst
- Everlasting
- Concessions
- Do What You Will
- Expansion & Retention
- Propellant
Tornado Watch was released on May 17, 2024.
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